Painting Tips: Fan brush with fingers to remove loose bristles. Fill all cracks with caulking compound. Dust off all dirt. Use a wire brush to scale off old exterior paint. When painting furniture with knobs, remove them. Use masking tape around window panes. How To Clean: After painting with latex paint, thoroughly wash brush with soap and warm water. For oil base paints, enamel, varnish, shellac or stain, clean in mineral spirits, paint thinner or brush cleaner.